Every beautyblender-owning self-care enthusiast knows that a freshly cleaned beautyblender is better than working with an old one. No matter which way you spin it, the truth remains the same: a clean and dry beautyblender looks more polished and pristine than anything else. But those who only wash their sponges occasionally might not think about how much of a chore it becomes when you've got too many to clean. And, let's face it, straggly bristles are not pretty - or effective. Here's everything you need to know about cleaning your beautyblender.
Use Beautyblender brand cleansers.
There are a couple different cleansers that can be used to wash your beautyblender. But, the official brand cleansers for sponges and the accompanying sponge-cleaning kits are created specifically for beautyblenders, so you can rest easy knowing that what you're using on your sponges won't leave them damaged. The WASH, which stands for "water activated cleanser," and the solid cleanser, called CLEAN, are both made with skin-friendly ingredients that are gentle enough to not damage the material of your beautyblender.
Wash your sponge immediately.
Never let your beautyblender sit in soaking water for longer than an hour after you're finished with it. This is because the sponge will naturally absorb most of the water from the cleaning solution itself, which will leave your sponge soggy and unusable.
Or a more budget-friendly option.
A DIY alternative to the official Beautyblender cleanser is soap, water, and a brush or scrub for cleaning. You can use just about any soap or cleanser, and then try to vigorously scrub off all of your makeup using the aforementioned tools. However, this won't give your sponge a truly deep clean, but it's a great way to handle a quick washing of your beautyblender.
Only clean if it really needs doing.
Even if you find yourself with no time to wash your beautyblender, you can use the CLEAN or WASH solution anytime you're using one to clean whatever foundation powder blending and buffing you've got going on. The beautyblenders are very absorbent, and they'll still pick up most of the excess product. You can then let the beautyblender dry or let it sit in a small dish filled with either CLEAN or WASH solution. This will help get rid of any last traces of makeup that might be left on your sponge, and it will also help keep your beautyblender nice and clean between washes.
Cut it in half.
If you find your beautyblenders are getting out of hand, they're probably time to be cut in half. The beautyblender company recommends that you cut the original full-sized sponges in half before starting to use them, and this will help preserve the life of your sponge. Plus, it's an easy way to make sure that you're using a clean half at all times - which is helpful in case one side of your sponge is more used than the other.
Encourage your sponges to replace themselves.
After you've gotten so much use out of a beautyblender, it's probably time for one of these bad boys to move on to a new family member. You can encourage this to happen by tying the ends together with cheesecloth or nylon string before wrapping them in plastic wrap and storing them in a box with lots of paper towels and/or cardboard. This will help keep your beautyblenders fresh and ready to be used until they're replaced.
Try a double-cleanse.
A lot of people swear by the double-cleanse, which involves washing your face in the morning and then again to get any leftover dirt and makeup off before going to bed. The beautyblender can be used with all your cleanse-related needs, with either a cleanser or just water. Once you've gotten your regular skin care routine out of the way, you can use your beautyblender to get any makeup product that might be left behind. Then, to finish off the cleanse, you can use a toner, used cotton pads, or just water to remove any excess makeup that might be left over.
Pack it correctly.
If you're a frequent traveler, make sure to keep your beautyblender separate from the rest of your makeup. You don't want that sponge to absorb the bacteria floating around in your makeup bag, which could lead to some nasty breakouts. Just put it in a small Ziploc bag or plastic box and store it away from the rest of your products.
Set it up right.
The way you store your beautyblender can affect its shape. Just like you wouldn't leave your makeup brushes out in the open, you shouldn't leave your beautyblender while it's still damp unless it's in its own proper storage container. And make sure that this container is airtight and free of any sharp edges or corners. While the beautyblender won't be damaged or start to smell or stain in a closed environment, any bacteria, oil, or dirt can cling to these potential pets and lead to infections on your skin.
Replace it often.
A beautyblender will last you a long time if you take care of it. You should always ensure that it's clean and dried before its next use, but they do have a tendency to wear out after a while if used on the same face all the time. They can be a little more expensive than other cosmetic sponges, but they're much better at absorbing product, so you may find yourself using less makeup overall.
Use it to apply foundation.
Your beautyblender can multi-task. Not only is it great for blending in your foundation with a flawless airbrushed look, but it can also pack on the foundation like nobody's business too! Just dab some foundation on your sponge and apply the formula all over your face. Then, you can use the damp beautyblender to buff the foundation into your skin. This should give your complexion a dewy, radiant finish with no streaks or patchiness.
Use it as a bronzer and contour sponge.
Not only is the beautyblender a great tool for applying makeup, but it can also be used to create contouring and sculpting techniques. Just dab some bronzer all over your face, and then use the beautyblender to blend in the product down your nose and across your cheeks. This will help to add more definition to your features, creating a more defined and leaner look.
